Patna: In the ongoing Ranji Trophy match at the Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna, Bihar found themselves battling to stay in the game on the third day against Uttar Pradesh. Despite commendable efforts by Ayush Loharuka and Sachin Kumar Singh, the looming threat of an innings defeat persists for Bihar. At the close of play on Saturday, Bihar reached 130 for 5 in their second innings after 57 overs, with Loharuka on 28 and Singh on 23.
Uttar Pradesh declared its first innings at a mammoth 603 for 2. Captain Aryan Juyal led the charge with an unbeaten double century, while Karan Sharma contributed an unbeaten century. Earlier, opener Abhishek Goswami narrowly missed a double century, scoring 198. In response, Bihar managed only 248 in their first innings, leaving UP with a commanding 225-run lead.
On Saturday, January 25, UP resumed its first innings from an overnight score of 417 for 2. Juyal and Sharma stitched together a 217-run partnership in 317 balls, further consolidating UP’s dominance. Juyal’s brilliant knock of 200 not out included 18 fours and a six off 256 balls, marking his second first-class double century. Sharma’s 118 not out, his third first-class century, featured 11 fours and a six from 163 balls.
Bihar’s Himanshu Singh and Nawaz Khan took one wicket each, but the bowlers struggled to contain UP’s batters.
In Bihar’s second innings, the team started well with a 61-run opening partnership between Sarman Nigrodh and Babul Kumar. However, UP’s bowlers turned the tide shortly before tea, with Babul Kumar dismissed leg-before by Saurabh Kumar for 38. Bihar’s middle order faltered post-tea. Jitin was run out for 1, while vice-captain Sakibul Gani and Raghavendra Pratap Singh both fell without adding to the score, trapped LBW by Shivam Sharma.
Sarman Nigrodh, after a gritty 28 off 99 balls (4 fours), was dismissed leg-before by Saurabh Kumar, leaving Bihar reeling at 75 for 5. Ayush Loharuka and Sachin Kumar Singh steadied the innings until stumps, but with the team still trailing, the situation remains precarious.
For Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh Kumar took 2 for 38, while Shivam Sharma picked up 2 for 27.
Sunday, January 26, marks the fourth and final day of the match. While Bihar will look to avoid an innings defeat and salvage a draw, UP bowlers will aim to seal an innings victory and secure maximum points.
